Let's try again. My last post disappeared somewhere in the bit universe.
AY Airbus 343 experience from August 2008
European connecting flights: Airbus 319 rather nice, Embraer not very enjoyable in the breezy J cabin. My Korean fellow travellers requested blankets because of the cold breeze. Airbus 319 AC seats the best there are on Finnair shorthaul.
Hot towels are standard, service is very good apart on the Embraer where lack of cabin staff is noticeable.
Food is basically a one tray deal, starter, main, dessert and pre-packaged cheese. However, on some emptier flights FAs have brought starter and main separately. Finnair has an excellent SFML meal for fish/seafood aficianados.
Full bar service including champers and port. No tax free on the Embraer so beware not to leave purchases for the return s/h flight.
Transfer at HEL Not much reason to linger. The new lounge complex in 2009 should make things more interesting but right now about an hour in the lounges is most I could take. Very limited showers.
Beware of sometimes longish transfer security queues when arriving from longhauls. With a Schengen passport/visa, just head through landside and back to airside on the departure level. HEL is a compact airport so this does not take much time.
Longhaul seats Not fully flat but adjustable to individiual taste and at least I could get several hours of sleep with my 190cm/100kgs. A bit narrow, though. IFE is better than average but not comparable to the kinds of CX.
Longhaul amenities Amenity kit with basic toiletries and more in the lavatories. Slippers and a shoe bag.
Longhaul food Choice of soft drinks or champers on the ground. Meals start with an aperitif and canapes. Then at least on our flights all three starter choices (fish, salad, soup) were offered together, followed by three choices of mains and a dessert and cheese cart.
Between meals there is a snack corner similar to BA's Club Kitchen available.
For drinks please check the AY menu thread on the Finnair forum.
Service I let others judge as I know several AY cabin staff too well to be impartial.
Lounges in Asia HKG has the the ex-Dragonair lounge, PVG the new Cathay lounge, ICN shared with JAL, NRT American Admirals lounge. Of course OW Sapphire and above have their usual choice.
Lounges in Europe and Britain Not that nice, OW Sapphire and above can rejoice.